UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Executive Council has expressed support for stronger collaboration between the meteorological and the oceanographic communities, taking advantage of the process of reform of WMO constituent bodies.

WMO spotlight on oceans and climate, research, observations and safety World Oceans Day celebrates the central role of the oceans in our lives. It also seeks to sensitize people about the impact of human actions and encourage action to protect the oceans and preserve marine life and precious ecosystems. The focus for 2018 is stopping plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean.

The United Nations has designated the years 2021 to 2030 as the ‘Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’ to boost international coordination and cooperation in research and scientific programmes for better management of ocean and coastal zone resources and reducing maritime risks.

A NOAA-sponsored report shows that the warming trend transforming the Arctic persisted in 2017, resulting in the second warmest air temperatures, above average ocean temperatures, loss of sea ice, and a range of human, ocean and ecosystem effects.

For the United Nations System, in particular, conserving and sustainably managing the ocean and its resources requires ever-stronger dialogue and cooperation between the twenty-four agencies working on ocean issues.

When it comes to the weather and climate, most of us think only about what is happening in the atmosphere. If we ignore the ocean, however, we miss a big piece of the picture: covering some 70% of the Earth’s surface, the ocean is a major driver of the world’s weather and climate.

In the heart of every meteorologist and climatologist beats the soul of a detective. We all appreciate a good mystery and, for those interested in weather, the elements of our atmosphere can often provide the most fascinating puzzles.